The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday that it invested over P1 billion in digitalization efforts to address the pressing challenges faced by the agriculture sector.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. highlighted the importance of the investment during the 2024 Sustainable Agriculture Forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
“We have already, for the first time, spent P1 billion on our digitalization efforts with the command center, weather satellite subscription systems, and this should all be realized by hopefully the first quarter of next year,” he said.
Tiu Laurel, speaking to members of the ECCP, emphasized the need for sustainable practices to ensure food security in the country.
“While agriculture remains a cornerstone of our economy, it is grappling with numerous challenges, including climate change, resource degradation, and socio-economic pressures. These factors make food security a pressing issue both globally and locally,” he said.
The DA’s commitment to sustainable agriculture is outlined in its four-year plan, “Para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” which focuses on boosting agricultural production and transforming the sector into a profitable industry.
Tiu Laurel outlined strategic measures, including expanding agricultural areas, modernizing production systems, and improving post-harvest infrastructure.
He stressed the importance of utilizing advanced technologies and best practices to enhance productivity and resilience.
“To achieve our goals, we must embrace science and information-driven decision-making. This includes equipping stakeholders with real-time data and modern tools to make informed choices,” he said.
